Chemical leak from Ohio railcar spurs evacuations
A railcar in Ohio started leaking chemical fumes on Tuesday, prompting officials to issue an evacuation ordinance that remains in effect.
Authorities said a train in Whitewater Township of Hamilton County, Ohio started leaking styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical, from the pressure release valve at around 1 p.m. Tuesday.
"First responders and environmental response contractors were mobilized to the scene, and the local fire department began cooling the tank car with water, which lasted through the night. Out of an abundance of caution, local officials also evacuated area homes and businesses within the vicinity of the rail yard, and we initiated air quality monitoring," Tom Ciuba, spokesperson for Central Railroad of Indiana which manages the tracks told The Hill.
"We worked closely with the customer, INEOS, as well as environmental agencies to understand the chemistry of styrene and make the most informed decisions to keep the community safe."
The Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Railroad Administration have officials on site conducting air quality testing. Residents within 800 meters of the area have been asked to leave while several schools and roads near have been closed indefinitely.
President Biden has been briefed on the incident.
The train is still on the tracks although a spokesperson for Central Railroad of Indiana, which oversees the tracks, said the railcar was no longer venting. So far emergency response teams have doused the vehicle with water but are prevented from moving any parts until its been determined safe.
The chemical styrene leak can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues in the short term and may even lead to organ damage in the long term.
The Hill has reached out to Central Railroad of Indiana for further comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Date: |
Topics
-
CBS News - Top stories
Ohio chemical leak evacuation orders still in effect
Evacuations remain in place for Whitewater Township, Ohio, residents near an apparent chemical leak involving a derailed train car. CBS News' Michael George has the latest.40 minutes ago -
NBC News - Top stories
Helene strengthens to Category 1 hurricane and expected to intensify as it takes aim at Florida
Helene is expected to become a massive hurricane, potentially becoming a destructive Category 3 storm.9 hours ago - Florida -
CNBC - Business
Investor Paul Viera doubles his San Antonio Spurs stake in a steep discount deal
The deal for a piece of the Spurs comes as NBA valuations rise on the back of an 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal.1 hour ago -
NBC News - Politics
Ohio organization seeks criminal charges against Trump and Vance over Haitian comments
An advocacy group has filed criminal charges against former President Trump and Senator JD Vance, citing bomb threats and other disruptions tied to baseless claims the pair made about Haitian ...6 hours ago - Donald Trump -
CBS Sports - Sports
Buy or Sell: Sonny Dykes hot seat, Colorado bowl hopes, Ohio State finally facing first test?
A fun game of buy or sell before a seriously-good Week 5 of college football2 hours ago -
Inc. - Business
The Growth Barriers: Scaling From Millions to Tens of Millions
Identifying the obstacles that hinder business growth, and the strategies to overcome them.12 hours ago -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
Injured Raducanu withdraws from Beijing Open
Emma Raducanu withdraws from this week's China Open with the foot injury which forced her to retire from the Seoul quarter-finals at the weekend.2 days ago - US Open -
The Hill - Politics
Dog food pulled from shelves nationwide: FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports a pet food company is voluntarily withdrawing some of their beef and chicken dog food after samples collected by the FDA tested positive ...8 hours ago
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Senate Democrat unveils legislation giving FDA oversight on CBD safety standards
A new bill could make it easier for the federal government to regulate legal hemp products and keep them out of the hands of Americans under the age of 21. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the ...31 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
McConnell criticizes conservative 'cult of personality' around Viktor Orbán
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) condemned members of his own party for embracing a “cult of personality” around Hungary’s authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán Wednesday on the Senate ...40 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Romney on possible Trump retribution: 'I would take him at his word'
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said former President Trump should be taken seriously when he pledges to go after his political enemies if elected to another term in office. “I think he has shown by his ...43 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
2 injured in California courthouse explosion
Two people reported injuries after a California courthouse explosion Wednesday around 8:45 a.m. Police immediately cleared the scene at the Santa Maria Courthouse citing “two reports of ...51 minutes ago - California -
The Hill - Politics
Partisan election integrity gap at record high: Gallup
A record gap has opened up between Democrats and Republicans over their faith in the accuracy of the vote count in the presidential election, a new Gallup poll shows. The survey, conducted from ...58 minutes ago